Welcome to our week in review.
Update on Dumping at Blackman Park
A few weeks ago, we published an article about the increase in dumping at Blackman Park. The Lane Cove Council has provided us with the following update:
“Council’s Regulatory Services Unit has been undertaking a comprehensive investigation into the illegal dumping of waste at Blackman Park in Lane Cove West.
It is alleged that there are multiple people involved in this matter, one of which has been identified and fined a total of $5000 for multiple offences of illegal dumping.
Inquiries are ongoing to identify the remaining individuals and their roles in the matter.
Since Council’s Rangers began questioning the individuals involved, there have been no instances of illegal dumping at Blackman Park, although the investigation will continue until any and all the other alleged offenders are identified and dealt with accordingly.”
Road Closures: Austin Street
Lane Cove Council is upgrading the air conditioning coils at Lane Cove Library this Thursday, 10 July 2025, from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. They have a Road Occupancy Permit for Austin Street between Sera Street and Longueville Road (full road closure).
This occupancy is to allow for a crane lift to replace the heating and cooling coils in the main air handling unit in Lane Cove Library. The existing coils are at the end of their service life, having been in place for approximately 25 years.
Timing was chosen with consideration of school holidays.
NAIDOC Week In Lane Cove
NAIDOC week 2025 started on Sunday 6th July and runs until Sunday 13th. The theme this year is ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy’. There are a number of NAIDOC events in Lane Cove this week and next.
Over the weekend you may have spotted a two metre tall chair at The Canopy outside the lifts. This installation by renowned First Nations artist Blak Douglas was created over a decade ago, and is an apt representation of the ‘Legacy’ component of this year’s NAIDOC week theme.

Gallery Lane Cove + Creative Studios Exhibition: Cammeraygal Whale Dreaming
“Cammeraygal Whale Dreaming” by Cammerraygal Elders and artists Uncle Bryce Moran and Auntie Jeannie Moran is now open at Gallery Lane Cove + Creative Studios and runs until 19th July. Whales are an important symbol connecting Cammeraygal, the saltwater people to the ocean, country and culture.
Our cover image is part of Uncle Bryce Moran’s Belly of the Saltwater artwork.
This exhibition features paintings, pottery and installation, and reflects Uncle Bryce and Auntie Jeannie’s deep cultural ties and storytelling traditions that mark decades-long commitment to preserving, highlighting and recognising Indigenous heritage and Cammeraygal songlines.
Book now for the opening event:
What: Cammeraygal Whale Dreaming Opening Event
Where: Gallery Lane Cove + Creative Studios, 164 Longueville Rd, Lane Cove
When: Friday 11 July
Time: 6 pm – 8 pm
How: RSVP here.
NAIDOC Week Mini Film Festival
Lane Cove Council has partnered with Awesome Black to bring NAIDOC week celebrations to Lane Cove Cinema Club.
What: 3 Powerful Screenings showcasing First Nations stories:
When: Thursday 17th – Saturday 19th July
Where: Pottery Lane Performance Space
Time: Doors open 5:00 pm, screenings 5.30 pm
How: Bookings essential. See links for each date below.
- Thursday 17th July – A night of short films by Indigenous filmmakers, catered to a youth audience. If you are between 12-17 years old – come early for a free BBQ feed on the Pottery Lane Balcony from 4:00pm.
- Friday 18th July – Satellite Boy (All Ages) If you are between 12-17 years old – come early to the Synergy Youth Centre for a free feed from 2pm.
- Saturday 19th July – Sweet Country (MA15+)
Awesome Black has also created the Awesome Black Foundation which is dedicated to empowering First Nations creators by providing resources, opportunities, and support to thrive in the creative industries. They aim to build a sustainable platform that amplifies First Nations voices, supports both emerging and established creatives, and enriches communities through culturally significant projects.

Lane Cove Rotary Spotlights Mental Health With Guest Speaker
Despite torrential weather, over 60 people attended a speaking session by Black Dog Institute founding chair Peter Joseph AM for a conversation on finding direction through a much more personal storm, mental health.
The event held on 1 July 2025, was hosted by Lane Cove Rotary at The Diddy, kicking off the month by discussing the subjects of life, loss and finding purpose through service.
Peter was a Rotary Global Scholar nearly 60 years ago. He said the experience helped shape his values and direction in life while also providing a platform for the establishment of The Black Dog Institute, now in its 22nd year.
“Rotary changed my life,” he said. “It gave me the mindset – and the platform – to do something meaningful. It was also the catalyst for meeting Nettie, my wife of 55 years!”

Boost For Artists Using Council Facilities
Lane Cove Council has unveiled a new cultural hire rate designed to support emerging and local performers by offering significantly reduced venue hire fees at key Council-managed facilities.
Available for live, ticketed performances at The Living and Learning Centre, The Cove Room and the state-of-the-art Pottery Lane Performance Space the initiative is aimed at making performance spaces more accessible and affordable.
Applications are open now, and the initiative reflects the Council’s broader commitment to nurturing the local arts scene and removing financial barriers for performers and arts organisations.
“This bold new step directly responds to the barriers faced by performers, especially young and emerging artists, who are often priced out of hiring local venues for live shows,” said Mayor Merri Southwood “By reducing the cost barrier, we’re helping artists focus on what matters—putting on a great show and building their careers.”
Interested performers should see the Council website for more details and to apply for the subsidy.
Have Your Say: Children and Families Strategy
Children and families are an important part of the Lane Cove community. To better understand the needs of our community Council is developing a principle-based Strategic plan that will capture guiding principles on:
- Enhancing child development opportunities
- Supporting working families and family wellbeing
- Improving access to children and family services and infrastructure
- Ensuring an inclusive approach moving forward
Have your say by Friday 1st August 2025 by:
Completing the online survey.
Email quoting Children and Families Strategy to request a hard copy
More information and link to the online survey here.
Have Your Say: Car Share Policy Review 2025
Lane Cove Council is calling for feedback on their revised Car Share Policy. The revision aims to continue supporting a more sustainable, accessible, and balanced use of our streets and public spaces. Your feedback will help ensure the policy reflects community needs and priorities.
Have your say by Monday 18th August by:
Completing the online survey.
Email feedback with subject: Car Share Policy Review
More information and link to the online survey here.
How’s Your Heart?
Lane Cove Advantage Pharmacy and Longueville Private Hospital have teamed up to help you check your heart health. See the poster below for details and scan the QR code or call to book.
Business Alert – 11:11 Sweet Now Open
Calling all sweet tooths!
A few weeks ago we let you know this new dessert spot was coming to town – and they are now open!
11:11 Sweet are in their soft opening phase for the next couple of weeks before their official launch. Pop in to sample delicious soft serves, smoothies, coffee and takeaway dessert options that come in single or sharing sizes. All made by the team.
Get a sweet deal (see what we did there) with the soft-opening special; a regular size soft serve for $5 until the end of July!
ITC popped in to chat with store manager Minja and were lucky enough to try the acai and vanilla soft serve flavours and the potted vanilla cake – the younger taste testers had no interest in waiting for the photo to be taken before sampling
11:11 Sweet is located at the top of the plaza between La Piazza and Sushi Maru – where Helloworld Travel used to be.
Open 8 am to 8 pm 7 days.
Welcome to Lane Cove 11:11 Sweet!
Movie Night At The Canopy
Grab the picnic blanket, the popcorn, your family and friends and enjoy a free screening of Happy Feet 2.
What: Happy Feet 2
Where: The Canopy Village Green
When: Wednesday 16 July
Time: 5 pm – 6.30 pm
How: Just turn up

Rotary Car Boot Sale Sunday 20th July
Lane Cove Rotary’s Car Boot Sale is almost here!
Seller spots are all booked out – which means all you have to do is turn up and grab a pre-loved bargain. There will be something for everyone; previous sales have seen an abundance of toys, clothes and bric-a-brac.
Junior Rugby Union Players On Tour
Good luck to Lane Cove Junior Rugby Union Club Under 14 players who have jetted off to New Zealand for a tour.
Netball Clinic With VIP Guest
On Monday 7th July Lane Cove Netball Club hosted a Netball Clinic for 7-15 year old players. It was a full day of netball fun, skill development and team building.
Participants were treated to a visit from VIP guest Monika Otai who is a shooter for the Giants in Super Netball.
Home Invasion – Hunters Hill
The following was shared by Ryde Police Area Command:
About 11:30am on Tuesday 01 July 2025, a 58-year-old female was home alone at a residence on Park Road, Hunters Hill, when an unknown male knocked on her door. The male, who was holding a cardboard box, claimed to be a delivery driver. He asked the female to confirm her name.
The male informed the 58-year-old female the parcel he was holding was not for hers and walked to a white Toyota Yaris which was parked in the driveway. The male returned with a bag of pet food, and when the female opened the screen door to receive it, the male pushed the female into the residence.
The male produced a knife and instructed the female to lay on the ground and demanded money. The male placed duct tape over the female’s mouth and bound her hands with duct tape.
Soon after the front door opened as two cleaners arrived. The unknown male exited through the door and left the location in the white Toyota Yaris. The cleaners assisted the female removing the duct tape from her face and contacted Triple Zero.
A short time later police arrived and declared a crime scene. The female was conveyed to hospital by ambulance.
Detectives attached to Ryde Police Area Command have commenced investigations into the incident. Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers online or call 1800 333 000. Quote reference E 100870572.
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